MLB Rumors: Cardinals dance partner, Mets star off limits, Ohtani asking price

MLB Rumors: Shohei Ohtani price in trade revealed by insider

By all accounts, the likelihood of the Los Angeles Angels trading Shohei Ohtani before the Aug. 1 deadline is still not high. But much to the liking of Lloyd Christmas, they’re telling us there’s a chance.

When it comes to Ohtani, though, it’s all uncharted territory. There has never been a player, perhaps ever but especially in the modern era, who is simultaneously one of the best hitters and best pitchers in baseball. So what a trade, even for a two-month rental, would cost any partner dealing with the Angels is hard to totally configure.

MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported where the starting point is, though. According to Morosi, the Angels are in “listening mode” when it comes to an Ohtani trade right now, but any offer that would perk up their ears would have to begin with “multiple Top 100 prospects” and then go from there.

As Morosi noted, this should be music to the Dodgers’ ears.

Not only are the Dodgers considered the favorites to sign Ohtani in the offseason when he hits free agency, but the other team in Los Angeles also boasts one of the highest-end farm systems in baseball with Morosi counting nine prospects who are inside the Top 100 for MLB.

Of course, the Dodgers aren’t the only team that will be making the Angels listen on an Ohtani trade. At the same time, with LA considered in the driver’s seat for the Japanese superstar’s free agency, there is a chance that other teams could back off a deal knowing they’d have to give up multiple Top 100 prospects in order to just get Ohtani for two months and then leave the franchise high and dry.

Not that this needed clarification, though, but if Shohei Ohtani gets traded, the Angels are going to make the trade partner give up the king’s ransom that he’s worth.